The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 31, which would establish a one-time apprentice guide license allowing a prospective guide to accompany a licensed guide during hunting or fishing activities as part of on-the-job training.

Senator Howard Pearl, the bill’s sponsor, said the Guides Association and New Hampshire Fish and Game developed the idea to give guide candidates hands-on experience and exposure to the paperwork and safety practices expected of licensed guides. The measure mirrors the state’s earlier apprentice hunting license, which Fish and Game said has produced new full-license holders.

Colonel Kevin Jordan of New Hampshire Fish and Game described the department’s existing licensing process: applicants take a written exam from a bank of questions and then a practical panel interview. He said the new apprentice license is intended to help applicants who struggle with the more rigorous, updated testing and to allow candidates to observe safety, client handling and recordkeeping while working with an experienced guide. The department said apprentices must purchase the apprentice license but would not be permitted to collect fees while learning.

Committee amendment and vote: Committee members proposed and adopted an amendment specifying that a person holding a valid apprentice guide license must also hold “the proper license for the activity they will be assisting with” (for example, a hunting or fishing license). The Fish and Game Commission had voted to support the legislation. The committee moved the bill ought to pass as amended and placed the measure on consent.

What it does not do: The apprentice license would not permit an unlicensed person to take fees for guiding; it is explicitly training-only. The department will continue to require applicants to meet the existing written and practical exam standards to obtain a full guide license.

Next steps: With committee approval as amended, the bill moves to the full Senate calendar for further action.